August 1, 2009

Enough of this myth that leaders have to be super-human people who can do it all! In protest, I hereby present the Leadership Lacks Test. Just count the ones you agree with. No scales, just a simple yes or no.

I can fix almost anything and make it work if I try hard enough.

I am usually friendly with people, so most of them like me.

I can remember how to do things that I learned a long time ago.

Give me your wish list and I’ll find at least one or two items on it that I can help you with.

I can turn almost any bad situation around if I am at least given a chance.

How did you score? I’m proud to say I got a big fat zero.

If you’re focused too much on fixing things, you’re not focused on the big broad spectrum of possibilities.

If you focus too much on people liking you, you may do things that inadvertently give up your power.

If you’re accessing the past this well, you may miss tuning in on the future.

If you go off in search of treasure too often, you won’t be there when it comes to you.

And if you’re really good at turning bad situations around, you might not walk away from one when you should.

Most importantly, if you’re doing all these jobs, there’s no room for other people on your team to do them. So revel in your lacks, love yourself for what you are not, and just enjoy being a perfectly imperfect leader.